The “E” of NEW – Eastern Medicine

written byDr. Elson Haas

Jun 06, 2017

Eastern Medicine is based on the ancient medical therapies from Asia. Terms such as Classical Chinese Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Traditional Japanese Medicine refer to this style of medicine. Therapies include the various acupuncture techniques, manual body therapies, and herbal medicine practices as well as traditional energy exercise therapies, such as Qi Gong and Tai Chi.

Acupuncture is based on an ancient knowledge that recognizes a network of channels (meridians) coursing through the body and carrying vital energy called Qi (“chee”). This is understood as the life force that influences organ function, blood and fluid regulation, vitality, and the nervous system. All aspects of life—including stress, emotions, outdoor climates, as well as food, lifestyle and disease conditions—affect the vital force of Qi.

My first book, Staying Healthy with the Seasons, explains how the seasons and lifestyle affect health from the perspective of Eastern Medicine. It recommends seasonal acupuncture treatments as preventive medicine, as well as for pain and injury. Chronic conditions and imbalances may also respond well to acupuncture, helping to vitalize organ function that has become compromised. Eastern Medicine is more subtle in contrast to Western approaches. Also, it may take many treatments to achieve noticeable results as it builds on the body’s preexisting conditions, helping to change them with no harm to the body. Over time, the body improves and becomes more resilient.